Moab Taiko Dan (MTD) originated in 1995 and received 501(c)3 status in 2001. MTD is a group of diverse individuals who join together to practice the Japanese art of Taiko drumming. In addition to traditional Taiko, we also employ multi-cultural rhythms and original composition. The purpose of MTD is to encourage individual, group and community expression through drumming. The goal of MTD is to provide a forum where the following may occur: share the art of traditional Taiko; provide community workshops in drumming, movement and voice; facilitate cultural exchange; promote personal growth and empowerment; support humanitarian and community events; experience the joyous expression of group drumming; encourage creativity in rhythm, movement and individual expression; improve drumming skills and repertoire; develop discipline of mind and body.

Since forming, MTD has performed in many venues for the Moab community, throughout the state of Utah, and in western Colorado. In addition, we have brought professional performing groups and instructors to Moab to perform and have offered workshops, both to Moab adults and youth. Sacramento Taiko Dan and KasaMix (Kodo Arts Sphere America) performers, from Japan’s Sado Island, have offered workshops in drumming, voice, dance and have given our group the opportunity to perform professionally alongside them. We produced the Moab performance of the world-renowned Taiko group – Shidara, during their 2006 US Tour and will again in April of 2008. Shidara offered services to the community, in the form of workshops for adults and youth, as well as special school performances. MTD has artistically partnered with other Moab community groups, including the Rising Phoenix practitioners of Tai Chi and the Desert Veils belly dancers.

MTD’s annual operating budget averages $5,000. Historically, the group’s primary sources of income have been performance fees and membership dues. All monies received fund the group at large. Members perform/practice on a volunteer basis. The majority of our expenses have been directly related to the maintenance of the group itself: the purchase and repair of equipment, costs associated with bringing teachers to Moab for continuing education, assisting group members in attending out-of-area instructional events, costs associated with offering workshops to the community, the ongoing after-school club for youth and rent. Members buy their own costumes and bear most or all of the cost of travel to Taiko Camp/Conference, and other regional/out-of-state performances/workshops. Individuals pay for the supplies to build our initial drum(s) and MTD pays for the ongoing repair and maintenance of these drums.

In our early years, we often made the police blotter (noise), as we scrambled for places to play our drums. Our desire to maintain and build this practice has been great enough to keep us together through some strong challenges. We are facing one of our biggest to date. MTD has been fortunate in paying minimal amounts of rent for practice space and storage. Currently, MTD utilizes the band room at Grand County High School. Because of increased usage (by the community) of the auditorium and band room, and the expanding needs of the High School students themselves – it is time for us to move once again – but this time our goal is to find a dedicated space for Moab Taiko Dan and our after-school Taiko program for youth.

We have consistently faced challenges in the search for an appropriate facility. Because of the noise created by Taiko, MTD needs space that is located away from residential areas and not in the immediate vicinity of other community events. Due to the size of the drums and other materials and equipment associated with Taiko, adequate storage space is necessary. Presently, drums and other equipment are stored at a variety of locations throughout the Moab valley and are sometimes inaccessible to the group when we need them.

For Taiko to continue and flourish in Moab, it is clear that a designated space (Dojo) is required. We want to form financial partnerships with individuals and/or groups who believe in the power of Taiko and who wish to support the rich cultural exchange, which Moab Taiko Dan brings to our community. To that end, we are taking concrete and practical steps in creating a dedicated space for Taiko. MTD is actively pursuing major grant funding and working with interested local businesses/partners, in the attempt to secure land & build a “green” Dojo, which will serve as our permanent home.

In sharing this activity with others, the response from people of all ages and varied backgrounds has been tremendous. Our dream and our hope is to keep this vital exchange alive.